Rising Cork football star Ciaran Sheehan has insisted that the opportunity to carve out a career in the AFL was too good to turn down. Sheehan, who won't turn 19 until November, was called up to the Cork senior panel on the back of his performances for the under 21 side in their march to the All-Ireland under 21 title a month ago, but while admitting to have mixed emotions about leaving the GAA, he is determined to pursue his dream of becoming a professional sportsman. "For an 18-year-old, it's what dreams are made of," he said. "I was only under 16 a couple of years ago. The feeling of walking into the dressing rooms and seeing all them heroes that you looked up to when you were younger; it's a feeling I can't just explain. It's just amazing." The Leaving Cert student recently agreed a two-year deal with the Carlton Blues, and will fly out to Melbourne next month for a training camp in an advance of a permanent move in November. The Blues have been trailing Sheehan since the 2007 Munster MFC final victory over Kerry, when he was contacted by agent, Gerard Sholly. "When I got the phone call I thought it was someone messing (with) me. I had this feeling inside, I just couldn't believe what was happening. I went over two Christmases ago for four days, just to see what it was like and to do a bit of training and I loved it. I'm going over now in July for a month. The contract is signed but I'm under no obligation. After four weeks, I can stay or go home. It's up to me at the end of the day." He is unlikely to let the opportunity pass, however. "It's a professional sport and to be doing something you like doing all the time. Always growing up you'd aim to be with the Cork seniors. This has cut across what I always dreamed of in that regard. It has put doubts in my mind and I know it's a long way away; I've always been a home bird. At the same time, it's something kids would love to do." Tweet

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